Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country skiing (Dave Heath photo)
Kitimat has a couple of options for Nordic skiers of various experience levels.
Right in town, carve a personal trail through Kitimat's Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club. For more serious cross-country skiing, however, check out Onion Lake Ski Trails, about a 20-minute drive north of Kitimat on the west side of Highway 37.
Onion Lake Ski Trails
Onion Lake Ski Trails' more than 30km/18.6mi of terrain ranges from beginner to expert, and is good for both classic cross-country and skate skiing. The trails, marked with signs and difficulty levels, include 5km/3.1mi of lit trails for night skiing and a 6km/3.7mi dog-friendly trail.
At the start of the Onion Lake Ski Trails, near the parking lot, is a chalet fit with a kitchen, wood stove, and chopped wood. Anyone can use the facilities. The trails also have an overnight cabin, the Moose Cabin, with two bunk beds and a woodstove.
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It takes about two hours to ski to the cabin, so be sure to book with the Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club before heading out there. The Snow Valley Nordic Ski Club, a group of volunteers from Kitimat and Terrace, groom and maintain the trails regularly. For a grooming report, trail maps, information, and contact info, check with the club or pop in to the Visitor Centre for more tips.
Downhill and Heli-Skiing
For downhill skiing, check out Shames Mountain, just about a two-hour drive northwest of Kitimat. The mountain is famous for great powder and backcountry ski-touring. Heli-skiing day tours are also available with an operator about 10 minutes past Terrace, and require advanced booking.
Practical Points and Ski Information
- Cross-country ski season at Onion Lake usually lasts from November until the end of April.
- The wet, coastal snow packs well, forming an excellent base. Even if Kitimat is bare, the trails at Onion Lake will usually still have snow as they sit at a higher elevation.
- The entrance to the Onion Lake Ski trails is clearly marked with a sign on the highway.
- Skiers are best off bringing their own gear, though a mixed bag of older equipment can be rented from the Nordic Ski Club. Contact the club ahead of time for equipment rentals. All Seasons Source for Sports in Terrace, 20 minutes north of the trails, along Highway 37, also rents equipment.
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